I'm Sorry I'm Writing About Sweden Again

I know, Melodifestivalen is over. I should move on. But I'm fascinated with the idea that Swedish producers and musicians are behind most of our American pop music, and we don't even know it. Pacific Standard published an article this week that explains why Sweden's unique brand of pop music has taken over American airwaves.

 "So how did Sweden, a sparsely populated Nordic country where it's dark for much of the year, become a world capital of pop music?" 

In the 1940s, conservative leaders in Sweden established a system of music schools that would be open and affordable to all. Their intent was to encourage young students to study classical music, and to keep out foreign influences of pop and rock n' roll. Over the years, school curriculum evolved to include pop; and today, there are studies in mixing and EDM (electronic dance music). So now, you have an enormous, government-run organization that is educating young Swedes about the exact kind of music it was designed to prohibit.

In the early 2000s, the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, and Britney Spears were based out of Florida, but all of their songs were coming from Stockholm. And when Katy Perry shattered records in 2010 and 2011 by spending a consecutive 69 weeks in the Billboard Top 10, there was a Swede behind her. But we don't even realize it. And that's why Eurovision is important, that's why I am obsessed with Sweden.

Read the full report here. 

Très Cool: French Edition

This happened a few weeks ago, but I was in a Melodifestivalen-induced coma, and I didn't write about it. France announced their representative through the weekly selection show, Les Chanson D'Abord, and it's a band called Twin Twin!

Twin Twin is made up of real life twins, Lorent Idir and François Djemel (I don't know why they don't have the same last name, either), and a third member, Patrick Biyik.

The last time France won Eurovision was all the way back in 1977. They have five victories to their name, but all were in the first few decades of the ESC. In more recent years, they have not fared well. France has a reputation for being a bit snobby about the Contest (shocking). They only send artists that sing in French, and it's not a good strategy for trying to appear universal and relatable.

But Twin Twin is young and fresh, and clearly, they are très, très cool. This entry may appeal to the younger, hipper audience of Europe. I doubt that a song entitled "Moustache" can win Eurovision, but it will definitely be a fun summer jam.

Great News From Sweden!

Swedes chose their winner today, and congratulations to Sanna Nielsen! As predicted, it was a heart-stoppingly close finish. Sanna beat runner-up, Ace Wilder, by 2 points.

So Who Should Represent Sweden?

If you've been reading my Melodifestivalen recaps, then you know tomorrow is the fateful conclusion of Sweden's Eurovision selection process.

If you're just joining us, the ongoing Melodifestivalen ("The Melody Festival") has been taking place in Sweden for the last five weeks. Now, most other European countries have their own national selection for Eurovision, but the reason I've been covering Sweden is because it's just so good. From the level of production, to the talent of the performers, the Swedes take it all very, very seriously. And there's a chance that us Americans could be hearing from one of the finalists in the future: though we don't necessarily realize it, Swedish musicians and producers are all over our American pop charts.

It's a strong year for Sweden, and the final reflects this. It's going to be a very close race. Nearly every entry could go to Eurovision and be successful (except for Linus Svenning's "Bröder," I just will never be okay with that). Now, traditionally, a lower placement in the line-up produces a victory. Going eight, ninth, or tenth is the strongest position to be in. But there's no obvious winner this year.

Great News From The UK and Romania!

After months of rumors and speculation, the BBC has finally revealed who will represent the United Kingdom in Copenhagen. No, it's not Geri Halliwell, Susan Boyle, Rylan Clark, or Belinda Carlisle. It's newcomer, Molly Smitten-Downes, who will be going by just "Molly."

This is great for the UK. Someone young and relevant (unlike their past two contestants, 77 year-old Engelbert Humperdinck and 62 year-old Bonnie Tyler). Molly is giving off some ethereal Florence Welch vibes, which will be well received at Eurovision. She sounds "new," the way Loreen did in 2012, and Emmelie de Forest in 2013.

After lots of success and five victories in the early years of Eurovision, the UK has dropped off since the 2000s. They last won in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves' "Love Shines a Light," and their most recent success was in 2009, when the Andrew Lloyd Weber-penned "It's My Time" placed fifth. But they have also come last three times, in 2003, 2008, and 2010. I think Molly will do very well at Eurovision. It's exciting to see the UK coming back with an entry that could actually be a contender.

Now onto Eastern Europe, where Romania has chosen their representative through a televised national selection show. Former Eurovision competitors, Paula Seling and Ovi, will return to the Contest in May.

There's a special place in my heart for Romania. They are one of the few countries who, since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004, have never missed a final. Romanians have so much passion for the ESC, and I would love to see them win for once. Paula and Ovi are a good choice for representatives; when they came third in 2010, it was Romania's best ever placement. "Miracle" is a great, upbeat pop song, and it will be accessible and enjoyable for voters. Paula's voice is no joke, and I know they'll bring their over-the-top enthusiasm to Copenhagen. Great job, Romania!

Melodifestivalen: Andra Chansen

Saturday was the long-awaited Andra Chansen (the second chance round) for Melodifestivalen entries. The opening included a musical interlude that I can only guess was about these entries escaping death and crawling their way to the Andra Chansen round. Have I mentioned that these programs are entirely in Swedish (aside from some of the songs), and I do not speak Swedish? I can't find a video of this, so you're just going to have to trust me on this one!

The line-up:
1. "Raise Your Hands," Ammotrack
2. "Bröder," Linus Svenning
3. "Love Trigger," J.E.M.
4. "All We Are," State of Drama
5. "En himmelsk sång," Ellinore Holmer
6. "När änglarna går hem," Martin Stenmark
7. "Survivor," Helena Paparizou
8. "Echo," Outrigger